The Relay to End Kid's Cancer

Together, the members of team Phoebe Rose Rocks ran 100 km on Saturday as part of the Sears Relay to End Kid's Cancer.  Together, we raised over $30,000 for treatment and research of pediatric Cancer.

We ran, walked, cheered, shivered, laughed, celebrated and raised awareness for this very important cause.  It is simply amazing, what we can accomplish, when we work together. 

Among us were many truly remarkable individuals.  The volunteers who devoted their day to making sure we were hydrated, fed, happy, motivated and cheered for.  The organizers who worked so hard to make this day a success.  The other teams and runners, who like us worked hard to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer.  Some were running for children fighting cancer, some in honour of children who are no longer with us, and others because they recognize that children's cancer needs and deserves more awareness and funding.  A few runners completed the entire 100 km distance solo.  Amazing.

One solo runner spoke after the event. He spoke about how he drew his strength when things became difficult, from the children diagnosed with cancer, those who are fighting for their lives and those who are no longer with us.  They are the real heroes, he said.  

It was a heartwarming and unforgettable day and I am so proud to have been a part of it. Team Phoebe Rose Rocks was made up of old and new friends and family. Many team members have been directly affected by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Some team members traveled from Toronto to be with us, and everyone took time away from their families, not only to prepare for the event, but to be with us for the day.

And it was a long day, starting at 7:30 am and finishing at 7:30 pm with our team crossing the finish line together. It was a pleasure to spend the day with this wonderful team of people and to be a part of an event that is growing by the year and is truly making a difference in the lives of children and families faced with pediatric cancer.

At last count, the Ottawa and Toronto teams of the Sears Great Canadian Run had raised close to $750,000 in support of pediatric cancer research and treatment.  So great.  

Thank-you to the folks at the Sears Foundation, the volunteers, my fellow team members, other participants, all of you who donated and supported our team, and my family for making this day possible and simply wonderful.

I don't know where we would be were it not for advances made in the research and treatment of children's cancers.  It is thanks to the great efforts of the people at the Sears Foundation and many others who are working to raise awareness and funds for much needed pediatric cancer research that my girl is able to keep rockin'.